Page 76 of Love's Cure

“What’s wrong?” she asked another performer.

“Some woman passed out. I think she was drunk,” the man said.

Curious, Crystal stepped closer as a volunteer ordered onlookers to move back to give a doctor some room. Crystal got a glimpse of her and gasped. She stepped forward. “I know this woman. Can I help?”

The doctor looked up at her from where he was kneeling beside his doctor’s bag. “I know who she is too. She doesn’t appear to be hurt seriously, but I need to be sure.”

“We have to get her out of here, to privacy. Let’s take her to the office,” said Crystal. She broke a path through the crowd. The doctor followed, helping Natalie Chamberlain inside.

“Are you traveling with her?” the doctor asked Crystal.

“No, I’m not. But I know her son, and I think he should be informed. I’m happy to make the call, but he’ll want to speak to you. He’s a doctor.”

Natalie, more aware now, sat on a chair in the office while the doctor examined her.

“I’m sorry,” Natalie said. “I skipped dinner ... and the heat of the crowd ...” She said nothing about the alcohol she’d consumed. The smell was very distinct. She noticed Crystal standing by and recoiled. “What are you doing here?”

“She helped me get you inside away from curious eyes, Mrs. Chamberlain. You owe her a debt of thanks,” said the doctor. “You seem to be fine, except for tripping. You have no pain from the fall?”

Natalie shook her head. “I’m fine. Just very tired.”

“I’m calling Emmett. He’ll want to know,” said Crystal.

Natalie gave her a thoughtful look. “Thanks. Better that he finds out from us. You think you kept this from the papers?”

“I don’t know for sure, but I hope so.” Crystal left the office to make the call. She punched in Emmett’s number and waited and waited. She tried again and this time, Emmett picked up the call right away.

“Crystal?”

“Yes, Emmett. I’m calling about your mother. She’s had a fall at the Ogunquit Playhouse. She’s alright or will be when she’s sober.”

“What are you doing there? What is she doing there? Has she been examined by a doctor?”

“I’m doing a stint at the theater. She came to see the play and yes, she’s been examined by a doctor. I’m going to hand the phone over to him so you can talk.”

“Thanks,” said Emmett as Crystal went back to the doctor and handed him her phone.

While the doctor went outside the office to take the call, Crystal was left in the office with Natalie.

Crystal sat in a chair and sighed. “I know you don’t think much of me, but if I can help in any way, please let me know. I know enough about your condition to know how disoriented you must feel right now. Are you staying in town?”

“With a friend not far from here,” said Natalie. “She wasn’t feeling well and didn’t want to stay, so she dropped me off. She’s supposed to pick me up.”

“What’s her name? I’ll go look for her,” said Crystal.

“Eloise Harding. An old friend,” said Natalie, with a quiver in her voice.

The doctor came back into the room and handed the phone to her. “He wants to speak to you.”

Crystal took the phone. “Yes?”

“Thank you for all you’re doing for my mother,” said Emmett. “That’s really kind of you considering her treatment of you. I’m going to come to Maine to talk to her. Do you know where she’s staying?”

“She’s visiting her old friend, Eloise Harding,” said Crystal. “I’m going to find Eloise outside now. She was planning to give your mother a ride back to her place.”

“Thanks. I’ll take it from here,” said Emmett. He paused. “I’ve missed you.”

Crystal clicked off the call before getting into further conversation with him. She’d called him. He hadn’t called her.

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